Animal People introduces readers to the professionalized world of animal protection from the perspective of those who consider themselves to be "moderate" activists. Adam Reed explores the interrelationships between moral cause and organizational culture, including the ways in which expert roles such as investigator and lobbyist inform the practice and outlook of animal protection. The book examines connections between forms of professionalism and everyday advocacy but also how those working to improve the welfare of animals can come to possess an expertise in public or mainstream ethics.

Reed explores these issues through the example of a Scottish-based animal protection organization. Animal People makes a distinctive contribution to anthropological debate and discussion relating to human and non-human animal interactions, activism, and the attributions and imperatives of moral action.